"Every working family in this state has struggled with the challenges of finding quality, affordable child care for their children," said Speaker Heastie. "We know that this is one of the most important issues affecting New Yorkers' ability to remain in the workforce and pursue lasting careers. This investment will bring much needed benefits for families, the hard working men and women of this state and the businesses that employ them."

Under the Assembly's proposal, $75 million would be allocated to support the creation of 10,000 new child care slots with priority consideration for homeless families. It also includes $8.4 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds would be earmarked for the state's Facilitated Enrollment program to provide working families with incomes up to 275 percent of the federal poverty level with access to affordable and consistent child care. Funding for Advantage Afterschool is also increased by $7 million over last year.

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, "This budget shows a historic commitment to support New York's families by expanding access to child care. The Assembly's strong investment recognizes that quality child care is the foundation on which future success in school and college is built; creating more stable communities throughout New York State."

The plan includes a measure to promote stability for more working families across the state by allowing them to retain their child care subsidy for its full duration following an increase in earnings during the year, should changes to federal eligibility requirements become effective. Additionally, the proposal would maintain state support of the Migrant Worker Child Care Program within the Office of Children and

Families and prioritize funding for post-adoption and preventive services. The spending plan would also dedicate assistance for important family support programs including:

Kinship Care - an additional $2 million over SFY 15-16;

Safe Harbor - a restoration of $3 million;

Settlement Houses - a restoration of $2.45 million;

Youth Development Program - a restoration of $1.29 million;

Child Protective Caseload Reduction - a restoration of $150,000;

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation - a restoration of $50,000; and